PAOLI — Orange County’s America 250 Partners are putting the finishing touches on a massive, historic lineup of tributes and events to properly mark the nation’s Semiquincentennial.
The county’s America 250 working group, which has been meeting since 2024, is charged with organizing local celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
The State-Wide Lantern Relay Arrives
The countdown to the holiday weekend already saw regional traction last weekend when Orange County participated in a special state-wide America 250 “Lantern Relay.”
Orange County America 250 Chairman Robert F. Henderson reported that a replica of a Revolutionary War Lantern was put on public display at various historical sites across the county. The lantern is one of nine currently traveling through nine distinct regions of Indiana to symbolize the light of the Revolutionary War. Following the regional tours, the traveling lanterns—including Orange County’s—will be moved to Indianapolis for permanent display.
July 4th: Time Capsules, Courthouse Ceremonies, and Public Pledges
The official Independence Day festivities will center heavily on the historic, 176-year-old Orange County Courthouse, which has already been decorated and illuminated in red, white, and blue for the occasion.
10:00 a.m. – Opening the 1976 Time Capsule
The main events kick off on the morning of July 4th at 10:00 a.m. with the performance of the National Anthem and the highly anticipated opening of the historic Time Capsule. The capsule was originally buried on the courthouse lawn by the Paoli Jaycees during the 1976 Bicentennial.
Sealing a New Legacy for 2076
During the ceremony, a brand-new time capsule will be sealed, scheduled to be opened on the nation’s tricentennial in 2076. Turning away from 1976 logistics, this new capsule will not be buried. Instead, it will be placed in a secure location inside the courthouse, accompanied by detailed archival instructions.
Attendees on the 4th will also have a unique opportunity to sign a large replica of the Declaration of Independence, symbolically joining the original signers to mutually pledge their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor. This signed document will be placed directly into the new time capsule for future generations of Orange Countians to discover.
11:00 a.m. – Rededicating the Revolutionary War Memorial
At 11:00 a.m., the focus will shift to a formal rededication of the local Revolutionary War Memorial in partnership with the Lost River Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.).
The monument, first placed on the courthouse lawn in 1940, honors the soldiers and patriots buried within Orange County. Historians recently discovered that seven names were inadvertently left off the original stone marker. A new plaque correcting the error will be unveiled during a wreath-laying ceremony, and a large display will be erected on the lawn showcasing brief biographies of each local Patriot.
Closing Tributes and Community Bell Ringing
The courthouse ceremonies will close with the planting of an “American Liberty Elm” tree, complete with a cast bronze commemorative plaque.
At Noon, all Orange County area churches are being encouraged to simultaneously ring their bells to unite the county in celebration.
July 5th: A Potluck and Day of Reflection
On Sunday, July 5th, organizers are promoting “America’s Potluck Luncheon,” encouraging families, neighbors, and civic groups to gather for backyard and park potlucks.
July 5th will also serve as “America’s Day of Reflection,” marking a transition from the initial holiday celebration to the “After the Fireworks” phase of America 250 activities, which will carry through the remainder of 2026.
“The day is an opportunity for Americans to reflect on what the journey to America 250 has meant to them and how they can prepare for the path ahead,” Henderson stated.
July 8th: Reading from the Courthouse Steps
The local celebrations culminate on Wednesday, July 8th, at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time, mirroring a simultaneous nationwide reading of the Declaration of Independence. The timing honors July 8, 1776, the exact date the document was first read publicly to the masses.
In Orange County, a diverse group of residents from across the county will take turns reading portions of the historic document aloud from the courthouse steps.
“There is something very powerful about hearing the words read aloud,” Henderson noted.
Attendee Information
The public is highly encouraged to attend all events. Because seating on the courthouse lawn will be strictly limited, organizers advise attendees to bring their own lawn chairs. Residents and business owners are also asked to integrate red, white, and blue decor into their personal displays throughout the week.
For more information, layout maps, and schedules, residents can follow the official Orange County America 250 Facebook page.
